What is Solar Energy?

The sun is an incredible source of energy. Solar energy is created by the light and heat of the sun. Installing solar panels allows you to harness that energy and convert it into electricity. Through this process, solar energy can power households and heat elements (water and air). On the Gold Coast solar power is even more advantageous due to the extended day light hours Queensland is able to achieve.

In 2017, there were more than two million Australian households with solar systems installed. Solar technology has advanced significantly over recent years, with the introduction of theTesla Powerwall. The Tesla Powerwall allows owners to use the energy stored rather than relying on the grid. This will reduce the overall cost of future electricity bills.

How do Solar Panels Work?

Solar panels produce electricity directly from the sun’s energy. The panels connect to an isolating switch, then to an inverter which converts the DC power produced by the panels into AC power that can be used at home. The power is then channeled into the electricity grid. The grid feeds electricity to the house during times when electricity consumption is greater than solar power production (e.g. during the night).

Electricity produced by solar panels power appliances that require energy during the day. These appliances include your air conditioner, refrigerator, microwave, television, etc. This is the standard process of distribution for most Australian states.

How do the Benefits of Solar Panels Work in Different States?

Queensland & NSW both offer feed-in tariffs. Feed-in tariffs pay the owner of a solar energy power system a premium per kWh of solar electricity per hour they feed back into the grid.

There are currently two different models running in Queensland and New South Wales.

In states with a net Feed-in Tariff (QLD), power produced by the panels first reduces your electricity bill at the standard rate. Any excess solar power that is fed into the grid earns you the premium Feed-in Tariff. With QLD losing its premium .44c Feed in tariff on the 1st of July 2012, new customers will gain most from their solar system by using the power they generate instead of sending it to the grid.

In states with a gross Feed-in Tariff (NSW), the metering arrangement is slightly different. All electricity generated by the solar power system flows out of your solar power meter in your meter board (fuse box). The electricity you use in the house then either comes from the solar panels or the grid. Excess solar power distributes to the neighbourhood.

What Happens to Solar Panels in a Blackout?

During a blackout, the inverter disconnects itself from the grid to protect the lives of personnel working on the power lines. If you wish to have a back-up power supply, you must purchase a separate inverter and battery bank. You can purchase a solar system without a battery. Please contact us if you wish to use a battery bank to be off the grid.

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What Customers are saying about Gold Coast Energy

“Would recommend Gold Coast Energy to anyone interested in purchasing a Solar System. One of the things that impressed us the most was the friendly staff. The salesperson was so helpful. No pressure to sign here because this bargain price is only current for 24 hrs. How refreshing not to be pushed into signing straight away. After we did our own research we were certain that this type of investment is not worth compromising quality for cost. Ryan & Trev who did the installation were really fast, friendly and answered all of our questions. They cleaned up, showed us how the system worked and left with us knowing if we ever have an issue they are only a phone call away! Excellent service, excellent product, am really looking forward to getting a return on my 5kW investment, as well as doing my bit to be greener.
Thanks guys, cheers!!”

Ray R – Solar System Installation

Varsity Lakes

“Being on a pension is hard enough without the rising cost of electricity. We invested in a 1.5kW solar system last year and have just now had to pay our first electricity bill. We do have gas hot water and stove top but the first couple we were in credit for $15 and $24, this last bill we had to pay $32. So happy with the people at Gold Coast Energy and have recommended them to the people next door. If they do go ahead and purchase from Gold Coast Energy we will get $50. Thank you.”

L Hughes – Solar System Installation

Mt Gravatt

“I’m so pleased I found GCE, I had 3 other companies out to give me a quote but when GCE came out their salesman went out of his way to recommend where the best place to put the system should be. If I trimmed back a few trees and put it on the shed I would get the best return for my money. The other 3 companies told me it had to go on the house roof! Thanks so much have told anyone who will listen that you are the best. People really appreciate the extra effort, I know I did!”

Sara J – Solar System Installation

Mudgeeraba

“How lucky was I! The guys at GCE were next door doing an install and I happened to mention that I was concerned that my system wasn’t working as well as I had expected. They suggested that they could check it out for me and sure enough TWO of my panels were not operating. After a couple of phone calls to the company who originally installed my solar, they sent a team out and now I have 2 new panels fitted and everything is working as it should have been 14 mths ago when it was first installed. I would totally recommend the system Audit for your system! Best money I ever spent getting GCE to check it out, probably have lost hundreds of dollars over the past year in lost money back from the grid. Thank you GCE :)”

J Dale – Solar System Audit

Robina

“Very happy with the installation, fast, friendly and obviously have done this ‘heaps’ of times. A+++++”

About Gold Coast Energy

Gold Coast Energy are locally owned and locally run. Since 2008, our local knowledge and local staff have guided many happy customers through the process of choosing solar energy, from sales to installation and support for solar systems.
Contact Us Today!